Who we are:
We are a networking group for theatre technicians working in schools, founded in 2005 we became an ABTT committee in July 2024, ten years after becoming affiliated with them.
What we do:
The STSC has two parts; networking and the PSA. Through our annual conference, training courses and regional groups we create support links. We have a membership base from a wide range of schools with all manner of facilities from professional theatres to drama classrooms.
The Performance Support Award was created as an extra-curricular training resource for members to carry out with their students and can be marked in house. For students wishing to follow a career in tech theatre, the PSA is becoming an industry regarding qualification. See below for more details.
Why we do it:
As theatre professionals in a teaching environment, school technicians occupy a unique situation; outside of regular theatre and with the restrictions of academia.
Encouraging interest in theatre and performing arts from a young age, is a strong method of building a well-rounded student and offering an avenue away from the traditional classroom.
Our purpose:
For the benefit of theatre technicians and other production practitioners working in education and for the promotion of backstage/technical careers to school-aged young people.
You can view our Terms of Reference here.
You can view our Membership Criteria here.
Who can join:
• Any person who works in a recognised educational establishment on a full or part-time basis.
• Any person who offers their services to educational establishment on an ad-hoc basis.
Please note; students are not be eligible due to safeguarding and you need to be a members of the ABTT to join the STSC, just tick the relevant box on your membership form. STSC membership for non ABTT members is being looked into although joining the ABTT is encouraged!
A map of all associates is available in the members area.
Access the STSC Members only area here
Performance Support Award
Launched in 2015 the Performance Support Award has been created to recognise and encourage the achievements of young people who want to be involved backstage.
It has been developed in response to demands for a non-academic course which can be tailored to suit the needs of technicians/tutors responsible for pupils undertaking extra-curricular activities in the school theatre.
The Award provides a reference framework for busy technicians/tutors to use as the basis for a regular activity programme in a similar way to a teacher using a scheme-of-work or lesson plan. This is not an academic course, although it can be incorporated into a curriculum if required. It is intended to be delivered outside of classroom hours in whatever format works best for your learners. There are no time limits or exam dates.
The scheme is divided into Bronze, Silver and Gold levels. The modular nature of each level will allow tutors to adapt the content to suit the time available, the facilities and equipment available, and the specific interests and skills of the participants. The final portfolio may be used by the pupil as evidence of skills and experience during a university or college interview process.
